beefsteak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, but widely used in everyday and culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “beefsteak” mean?
A thick slice of beef (often from the rump, sirloin, or fillet) cooked by frying, grilling, or broiling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thick slice of beef (often from the rump, sirloin, or fillet) cooked by frying, grilling, or broiling.
1. The specific cut of meat used for a steak. 2. Historically, any thick slice of meat (e.g., turtle steak, mutton steak). 3. An informal name for the beefsteak fungus (Fistulina hepatica) or certain plants like beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens) or beefsteak begonia, due to red colouration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'beefsteak' is a slightly older term; 'steak' is dominant. In the US, 'beefsteak' is also less common than 'steak', but survives in specific compounds like 'beefsteak tomato' and historical/regional contexts (e.g., 'beefsteak dinner').
Connotations
Both: Can connote a hearty, traditional meal. UK: May evoke traditional British fare. US: Can have an old-fashioned, hearty, or rustic connotation.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary speech for the meat dish, largely supplanted by 'steak'. Higher frequency in compound nouns and specific regional/historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “beefsteak” in a Sentence
[Subject] ate/cooked/ordered a beefsteak.[Adjective] beefsteakbeefsteak [preposition] (beefsteak with peppers)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beefsteak” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He grew beefsteak tomatoes in his greenhouse.
- The menu listed a beefsteak pudding.
American English
- She bought a beefsteak tomato for the sandwich.
- It was a classic beefsteak dinner.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in restaurant menus (often as 'steak'), hospitality, or agricultural trade.
Academic
Rare, except in historical, cultural, or culinary studies.
Everyday
Most common in informal food discussions, though 'steak' is preferred.
Technical
Used in mycology (beefsteak fungus), horticulture (beefsteak tomato/begonia), and butchery (to specify the meat).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beefsteak”
- Using 'beefsteak' for very thin slices of beef (those are 'beef slices' or 'minute steaks').
- Confusing 'beefsteak tomato' with other tomato varieties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost. 'Beefsteak' specifically means a steak from beef. 'Steak' can be from beef, but also from other meats or fish (e.g., tuna steak, pork steak). 'Steak' is the far more common modern term for the beef dish.
To emphasise the type of meat, especially in contrast to other steaks (e.g., on a menu with multiple options), or when using established compounds like 'beefsteak tomato'. It can also sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned.
No, 'beefsteak' is not standardly used as a verb in contemporary English.
It is understood in both, but has low frequency in everyday speech for the meat dish itself. It persists more in fixed phrases and compound nouns in both varieties.
A thick slice of beef (often from the rump, sirloin, or fillet) cooked by frying, grilling, or broiling.
Beefsteak is usually informal, but widely used in everyday and culinary contexts. in register.
Beefsteak: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːfsteɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbifˌsteɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beefsteak club (a type of dining club)”
- “Beefsteak tomato (a large, fleshy variety)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BEEF + STEAK. It's exactly what it sounds like: a steak made from beef. Visualise a classic image of a thick, juicy steak.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUBSTANCE/QUALITY (e.g., 'a beefsteak of a man' meaning a sturdy, hearty man - archaic).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'beefsteak' most commonly used in modern English?